PHMSA Releases Rail Incident Response Tool

DOT developed these resources to offer a flexible approach to training responders to prepare for rail incidents involving flammable liquids; the materials offer information on best practices related to rail incidents involving Class 3 flammable liquids, such as crude oil and ethanol.

Apr 06, 2016

The U.S. Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration has released the Transportation Rail Incident Preparedness and Response training resource, a web-accessible tool for emergency responders. DOT developed these resources to offer a flexible approach to training responders to prepare for rail incidents involving flammable liquids; the materials offer information on best practices related to rail incidents involving Class 3 flammable liquids, such as crude oil and ethanol.

It was created in conjunction with other government safety agencies including FEMA, the U.S. Coast Guard, EPA, rail carriers, and industry experts. The curriculum consists of nine training modules that focus on key response functions and incorporates three interactive training scenarios and introductory videos.

PHMSA plans to host a series of open house events to promote the TRIPR curriculum along with free training sessions for local emergency responders.

"TRIPR is the result of a concerted effort between federal agencies and rail safety stakeholders to improve emergency response organizations' ability to prepare for and respond to rail incidents involving a release of flammable liquids like crude oil or ethanol," said PHMSA Administrator Marie Therese Dominguez. "We are committed to safety and providing responders with flexible, cost-effective training and resources that help them respond to hazmat incidents safely."

"Some of the most important actions we have taken during the last two years to increase the safety of transporting crude oil by rail have been providing more resources, better information and quality training for first responders. This web-based training is another tool to help first responders in communities large and small, urban and rural quickly and effectively respond if a derailment happens," agreed FRA Administrator Sarah E. Feinberg.